Interviews|July 03, 2015 10:06 EDT
Finding Favour Talks Success of 'Reborn', Touring with the Newsboys, & Their Affinity for 'Symmetrical' British Spelling [INTERVIEW]
Christian folk worship band Finding Favour just released their wildly popular album, Reborn, and drummer Josh Duckworth took the time out to answer some questions about the album, message of the songs, the mysterious "U" in "Favour."
BREATHEcast: You guys just released your 1st full length, Reborn. What does the title have to do with themes of the album and the place where you guys are now?
Josh Duckworth: Reborn is a perfect album title to describe where we are as a band. For a long time we struggled to find who we were stylistically. We knew we wanted to impact lives in a profound way. That's always been our heart's desires, but we struggled pinpointing what kind of band we wanted to be. With this new album, we have "re birthed." We're coming out of the gates more focused than ever and feeling 'fresh' stylistically.
BC: Following up the success of your previous EP, what kind of expectations did you guys have coming into this record?
JD: Our expectations were extremely high for this new album. We were happy with our last EP but we had to do something that would 'set us apart,' while at the same time capture hearts but still be rocking songs.
BC: What has the response to Reborn been like so far, and how have the fans really encouraged you guys through this whole process?
JD: Our fans mean the world to us. They've been with us through it all. The response is really overwhelming. Our hearts are full and we're excited, even more so now, to work harder and make an impact for the Kingdom.
BC: With the passing of Father's Day, how does a song such as "Be Like You" resonate to all the dads out there, and what do you hope they take away from the song?
JD: We've had an amazing response to that song. It's a top song on our setlist for sure. We've had several moms and dads come up to us after the shows and tell us how it resonates with them. It's really impacting parents in an amazing way.
BC: "Cast My Cares" has had much success on the charts and really offers such a powerful message. Can you give us some insight into why you feel the song has such great staying power?
JD: It's a song that gives hope. It's a song that people can hold on to. And it was written just for that. Wherever people are in their lives, whether it be marriage problems, financial struggles or loss of loved ones, it translates with everyone.
BC: You guys kind of fall between the lines of CCM and worship. Do you ever feel being in this genre of music that is specifically "songs to uplift Jesus" becomes difficult?
JD: It can be difficult if you do not love what you do and do not love the type of music you play. We love Christian music but we also like other types as well, such as country. We've tapped into that on this record. We're more excited than ever to get out there with this album.
BC: How does Finding Favour take these conventional sounds of worship and CCM and make it something unique and completely your own?
JD: We're all individually influenced by different kinds of music. We wanted this album to capture the heart, but also be appealing to all listeners. We're thankful for a great producer and co-writers.
BC: Why do you think music is such a powerful tool for evangelism?
JD: Music is such a universal thing. Music has been around forever and there's a reason for it. It taps right in to wherever you are emotionally. The Holy Spirit plays such a major role.
BC: You guys have toured with Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, and others. What are some things you have picked up from these legendary pioneers of Christian music?
JD: We love all those guys! We, as a band, have walked away with great attributes from professionalism to playing to the ministry side itself.
BC: What's next for Finding Favour?
JD: God's brought us here. We've trusted Him through it all and will continue to do so. Whatever he has in store, we're ready for it! It's going to be great!
BC: Last and most importantly, are you guys fans of the British "U" in Favour rather then the plain old America "Favor." Please, explain!
JD: Haha. We get that question quite a bit. There's really not a crazy explanation for it other than it just looks symmetrical. It's just looks better!
Reborn was released on June 23 and is their first full length release on Gotee Records. The band just wrapped a 42-city tour with the Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline that started in February. They will also be on the Air1 Positive Hits tour late summer/early fall with Crowder, Lauren Daigle and NF.